Facts About Americium and Thorium
Interesting Facts
- Americium metal is produced by bombarding Plutonium with Neutrons.
- Americium metal was discovered as a by-product while testing an atomic bomb (Manhattan Project).
- Thorium metal is used as an alternate option over Uranium for nuclear fuel.
- Thorium metals appearance (silvery white, soft) is somewhat similar to Lead metal.
Sources
Obtained By Bombarding Plutonium with Neutrons
Found in Minerals, Mining
Who Discovered
Glenn T. Seaborg, Ralph A. James, Leon O. Morgan, Albert Ghiorso
Jöns Jakob Berzelius
Discovery
In 1944
In 1829
Abundance In Universe
Not Available
Abundance In Sun
~-9999 %
Abundance In Meteorites
Not Available
Abundance In Earth's Crust
Not Available
Abundance In Oceans
Not Available